Hot tub cover support

ABSTRACT

A hot tub cover support system is described. The system primarily includes: (1) a first member including a base portion having a substantially planar surface, and an elongated hollow tubular member extending from the base portion, the tubular member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; (2) a second member also including a base portion having a substantially planar surface, and an elongated hollow tubular member extending from the base portion, the tubular member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof, the second member being operable to be slidably received within the first member; and (3) a securing device for selectively securing the first member in fixed relationship to the second member, wherein the securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first member and an aligned aperture of the second member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cover supports and more specifically to a cover support for a hot tub or like device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During periods of non-use, outdoor spas or hot tubs are preferably provided with some sort of cover device so as to keep debris from falling into the hot tub, as well as to protect the surface of the hot tub from the elements.

Conventional covers typically comprise a cover that is form-fitted to encompass the upper surface of the hot tub perimeter. The cover usually is slightly larger in surface area than the hot tub perimeter, thus allowing a certain amount of play in which to properly position the cover. Certain covers are rather rigid and inflexible, thus rendering them difficult to handle and store efficiently when not in use. Other covers are padded on the side surfaces, as well as the major face, i.e., the surface covering the hot tub opening. These covers are sometimes configured to be foldable along a major face thereof, thus easing handling and storage. Although the padding provides some structural support, these covers are usually not reinforced to any substantial degree, most probably due to cost and weight concerns. This renders the covers rather soft and flexible.

A problem arises when debris, such as snow and ice begin to accumulate on the surface of the cover, irrespective of whether the cover is substantially rigid or substantially flexible. This is a special concern for hot tub owners in colder climates that experience significant annual snowfalls. The accumulating weight of the debris can damage or even destroy the cover by causing it to warp, tear and possibly collapse.

Attempts to overcome the aforementioned problems have included the use of a support member to physically abut the bottom of the hot tub and the underside of the hot tub cover, thus providing a certain level of support to the cover. However, these attempts have not been completely satisfactory from both a functional and aesthetic viewpoint.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a new and improved hot tub cover support system that provides enhanced support to the hot tub cover, for example, when debris, such as snow and ice, is present on the outer surface of the hot tub cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, there is provided a new and improved hot tub cover support system.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a hot tub cover support system is provided, comprising: (1) a first member, comprising: (a) a first base portion, the first base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; and (b) a first elongated member extending from the first base portion, the first elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; (2) a second member, comprising: (a) a second base portion, the second base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; and (b) a second elongated member extending from the second base portion, the second elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof, the second elongated member being operable to be slidably received within the first elongated member; and (3) a securing device for selectively securing the first elongated member in fixed relationship to the second elongated member. The securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first elongated member and an aligned aperture of the second elongated member.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, a hot tub cover support system is provided, comprising: (1) a first member, comprising: (2) a first base portion at one end of the first member, the first base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; (b) a first elongated member extending from the first base portion, the first elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; and (c) a first gusset member extending from a surface of the first base portion to a surface of the first elongated member; (2) a second member, comprising: (a) a second base portion at one end of the second member, the second base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; (b) a second elongated member extending from the second base portion, the second elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof, the second elongated member being operable to be slidably received within the first elongated member; and (c) a second gusset member extending from a surface of the second base portion to a surface of the second elongated member; and (3) a securing device for selectively securing the first elongated member in fixed relationship to the second elongated member. The securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first elongated member and an aligned aperture of the second elongated member.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a hot tub cover support system is provided, comprising: (1) a first member, comprising: (a) a first base portion at one end of the first member, the first base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; (b) a first elongated cylindrical hollow member extending from the first base portion, the first elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; and (c) a plurality of gusset members extending from a surface of the first base portion to a surface of the first elongated member; (2) a second member, comprising: (a) a second base portion at one end of the second member, the second base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; (b) a second elongated cylindrical hollow member extending from the second base portion, the second elongated member having at least one area defining a plurality of spaced apertures formed in a surface thereof, the second elongated member being operable to be slidably received within the first elongated member; and (c) a plurality of gusset members extending from a surface of the second base portion to a surface of the second elongated member; and (3) a securing device for selectively securing the first elongated member in fixed relationship to the second elongated member. The securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first elongated member and an aligned aperture of the second elongated member. Either the first or second base portions are operable to urge against a surface selected from the group consisting of an underneath surface of a hot tub cover, a floor surface of a hot tub, and combinations thereof.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a detailed portion of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a detailed portion of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a support member of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the securing member of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the securing member of the tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the securing member of the hot tub cover support system, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the hot tub cover support system deployed in a filled covered hot tub, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hot tub cover support system deployed in an empty uncovered hot tub, in accordance with the general teachings of the present invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

By “hot tub” as that phrase is used herein, it is meant any indoor or outdoor structure having a cavity formed therein that can used in conjunction with a cover device so as to keep debris, of any kind, from infiltrating the cavity. Accordingly, structures such as, but not limited to, swimming pools, saunas, whirlpools, spas, and the like, can be used in conjunction with the hot tub cover support system of the present invention.

By debris, as that term is used herein, it is meant any material that is desired to be kept out of the hot tub, such as, but not limited to snow, ice, sleet, hail, vegetation, branches, tree limbs, boulders, rocks, birds, animals, and the like.

Although the hot tub cover support system of the present invention is primarily intended to support hot tub covers from the effects of excessive weight, e.g., due to ice and snow, it also intended to promote good cover posture and drainage, as well as protection from falling objects.

Referring generally to the Figures, and specifically to FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 10, the hot tub cover support system 10 of the present invention primarily includes a first support member 12, a second support member 14, and a selectively operable securing member 16. The support system 10 is intended to be used primarily in conjunction with a hot tub HT having a cover C that is preferably removable. The hot tub HT preferably includes a floor surface FS that is substantially planar. The cover C preferably includes an upper surface US and a lower (or underneath) surface LS.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the first support member 12 primarily includes a substantially planar base member 120 having an elongated member 122 extending therefrom. The exact shape and configuration of the base member 120 is not thought to be critical to the success of the present invention, provided that it is capable of providing the requisite support to the cover C and/or providing a stable base for supporting the support system 10.

Preferably, the elongated member 122 extends from a centrally located portion of the base member 120. The first support member 12 may be formed from any number of materials, including, but not limited to metals, thermosets, thermoplastics, and combinations thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, materials such as polycarbonates (e.g., LEXAN) and polyvinyl chloride (e.g., SOLVIC) may be used to construct the first support member 12. Regardless of the materials chosen, they should be substantially resistant to corrosion caused either by water and/or any chemicals that have been added to the water.

Although the elongated member 122 Is shown as being substantially cylindrical, it should be appreciated that other configurations such as, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, diamonds, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, ovals, and the like, may also be used instead.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, at least one area defining an aperture 124 is formed on a surface of the elongated member 122. In accordance with a highly preferred embodiment, a plurality of spaced and opposed apertures 124 are provided. The intended purpose of the apertures 124 will be described herein.

The elongated member 122 may be substantially solid, or alternatively, may be substantially hollow, e.g., to decrease weight and material costs. Accordingly, the elongated member 122 has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. If the elongated member 122 is hollow, the sidewalls are preferably of sufficient thickness so as to be sufficiently strong enough to support the weight of the cover C, as well as any reasonable amounts of debris thereon.

At least one optional gusset member 126 is provided so as to interconnect a surface of the base member 120 and the elongated member 122. Although the gusset member 126 is shown as being substantially “fin-shaped,” it should be appreciated that other configurations are envisioned.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of gusset members 126 is provided. In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, four gusset members 126 are provided, wherein the gusset members 126 are preferably arranged equidistantly around the base member 120 and the elongated member 122 so as to form an “X” shape when viewed from above.

Without being bound to a particular theory of the operation of the present invention, it is intended that the gusset member 126 provide structural support to the first support member 12, e.g., when a force is applied to either the base member 120 and/or the elongated member 122.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 3, the second support member 14 also primarily includes a substantially planar base member 140 having an elongated member 142 extending therefrom. The exact shape and configuration of the base member 140 is not thought to be critical to the success of the present invention, provided that it is capable of providing the requisite support to the cover C and/or providing a stable base for supporting the support system 10.

Preferably, the elongated member 142 extends from a centrally located portion of the base member 140. The second support member 14 may be formed from any number of materials, including, but not limited to metals, thermosets, thermoplastics, and combinations thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, materials such as polycarbonates (e.g., LEXAN) and polyvinyl chloride (e.g., SOLVIC) may be used to construct the second support member 14. Regardless of the materials chosen, they should be substantially resistant to corrosion caused either by water and/or any chemicals that have been added to the water.

Although the elongated member 142 Is shown as being substantially cylindrical, it should be appreciated that other configurations such as, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, diamonds, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, ovals, and the like, may also be used instead. Regardless of the configuration chosen, it should be compatible with the configuration of the elongated member 122.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, at least one area defining an aperture 144 is formed on a surface of the elongated member 142. In accordance with a highly preferred embodiment, a plurality of spaced and opposed apertures 144 are provided. The intended purpose of the apertures 144 will be described herein.

The elongated member 142 may be substantially solid, or alternatively, may be substantially hollow, e.g., to decrease weight and material costs. Accordingly, the elongated member 142 has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. If the elongated member 142 is hollow, the sidewalls are preferably of sufficient thickness so as to be sufficiently strong enough to support the weight of the cover C, as well as any reasonable amounts of debris thereon.

At least one optional gusset member 146 is provided so as to interconnect a surface of the base member 140 and the elongated member 142. Although the gusset member 146 is shown as being substantially “fin-shaped,” it should be appreciated that other configurations are envisioned.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of gusset members 146 is provided. In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, four gusset members 146 are provided, wherein the gusset members 146 are preferably arranged equidistantly around the base member 140 and the elongated member 142 so as to form an “X” shape when viewed from above.

Without being bound to a particular theory of the operation of the present invention, it is intended that the gusset member 146 provide structural support to the second support member 14, e.g., when a force is applied to either the base member 140 and/or the elongated member 142.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated member 122 is preferably slidably received within elongated member 142, as shown specifically in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the elongated member 122 is preferably less than the inner diameter of the elongated member 142. Of course, this arrangement presupposes that the elongated member 142 is hollow. In this scenario, the elongated member 122 may be solid (with the exception of any apertures, bores, or through bores formed therein) or hollow.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the elongated member 142 is preferably slidably received within elongated member 122. Accordingly, the outer diameter of the elongated member 142 is preferably less than the inner diameter of the elongated member 122. Of course, this arrangement presupposes that the elongated member 122 is hollow. In this scenario, the elongated member 142 may be solid (with the exception of any apertures, bores, or through bores formed therein) or hollow.

In order to selectively secure the elongated member 122 to the elongated member 142 in fixed relationship, a securing member 16, e.g., locking pin, is preferably provided, as specifically shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6-8.

The securing device 16 preferably includes an elongated member 160 and an optional handle member 162. One or more optional notches 164, 166, may be provided to selectively engage a surface of aperture 124 and/or 144 in order to prevent the elongated member 160 from inadvertently dislodging from the elongated members 124,144, respectively.

Although the elongated member 160 is shown as being substantially cylindrical, it should be appreciated that other configurations are envisioned. By way of a non-limiting example, the elongated member 160 is preferably compatible with the configurations of either or both aperture 124 and/or aperture 144. For example, if the apertures 124, 144, respectively, are cylindrical, then the elongated member 160 is preferably cylindrical as well.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated member 122 and the elongated member 142, once they are matingly engaged, are selectively manipulated, if necessary, so as to align one aperture 124 of the elongated member 122 with one aperture 144 of the elongated member 142. Once this is accomplished, the securing member 16 (specifically elongated member 160) is preferably slidably inserted through apertures, 124, 144, respectively, so as to fix the position of the elongated member 122 relative to the elongated member 142. Optionally, the elongated member 160 may be further inserted so as to protrude through spaced and opposed apertures 124′ and 144′, respectively, to provide an even more secure fixation.

By providing a plurality of apertures, it is possible to vary the overall height of the support system 10 so as to be adaptable to support any number of hot tub covers used in conjunction with any number of hot tub configurations. By way of a non-limiting example, either the elongated member 122 or the elongated member 142 may be further lowered into one another so as shorten the overall height of the support system 10. Alternatively, by way of a non-limiting example, either the elongated member 122 or the elongated member 142 may be further raised out from one another so as lengthen the overall height of the support system 10. In this manner, the support system 10 may be raised or lowered to accommodate the user's particular needs.

In operation, the support system 10 is placed into the cavity of the hot tub HT so as to cause one of the base members either 120 or 140, to contact the floor surface FS of the hot tub HT. It should be noted that the hot tub HT may be filled (e.g., during periods of use such as during summer months) or may be empty (e.g., during periods of non-use such as during the winter). Additionally, it does not matter which base member, either 120 or 140, contacts the floor surface FS. Preferably, the base member, either 120 or 140, is placed in a central area of the floor surface FS. However, it should be appreciated that the support system 10 may be placed in any number of locations relative to the floor surface FS.

Because the base members 120, 140 are substantially planar, they should form a flush engagement with the floor surface FS. If not already done, the height of the support system 10 should be adjusted, as previously described, so that the upper base member, either 120 or 140 as the case may be) will contact the lower surface LS of the cover C when it is placed over the hot tub HT. Therefore, the height of the support system 10 should not be so low as to allow the cover C to substantially displace (e.g., sag) when a weight (e.g., snow) is placed upon the upper (i.e., outer) surface of the cover C.

Conversely, the height of the support system 10 should not be so high as to allow the cover C to substantially displace (e.g., bulge), as this may place undue pressure on the cover C causing it to tear when a weight (e.g., snow) is placed upon the upper (i.e., outer) surface of the cover C. Additionally, if the height of the support system 10 is too high, it may allow the cover C to rock back and forth about the support system 10, predisposing the cover C to blow off during periods of strong wind.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the hot tub cover support system 10 is also capable of functioning independently as a table, either within the hot tub HT or outside of the hot tub HT. For example, objects, such as, but not limited to, cups and dishes may be placed upon the top surface of either one of the base members, 124, 144, respectively.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A hot tub cover support system, comprising: a first member, comprising: a first base portion, the first base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; and a first elongated member extending from the first base portion, the first elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; a second member, comprising: a second base portion, the second base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; and a second elongated member extending from the second base portion, the second elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof, the second elongated member being operable to be slidably received within the first elongated member; and a securing device for selectively securing the first elongated member in fixed relationship to the second elongated member, wherein the securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first elongated member and an aligned aperture of the second elongated member; wherein either the first or second base portion is operable to urge against a floor surface of the hot tub; wherein either the first or second base portion is operable to urge against an underneath surface of the hot tub cover; wherein the base portion operable to urge against the underneath surface of the hot tub cover is operable to permit the hot tub cover to have a substantially level orientation relative to a top surface of the hot tub.
 2. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising at least one gusset member extending from a surface of the first base portion to a surface of the first tubular member.
 3. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising at least one gusset member extending from a surface of the second base portion to a surface of the second tubular member.
 4. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated member includes at least one area defining a plurality of spaced apertures formed in a surface thereof.
 5. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the second elongated member includes at least one area defining a plurality of spaced apertures formed in a surface thereof.
 6. (Canceled)
 7. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated member is cylindrical.
 8. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated member is hollow.
 9. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the second elongated member is cylindrical.
 10. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the second elongated member is hollow.
 11. A hot tub cover support system, comprising: a first member, comprising: a first base portion at one end of the first member, the first base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; a first elongated member extending from the first base portion, the first elengated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; and a first gusset member extending from a surface of the first base portion to a surface of the first elongated member; a second member, comprising: a second base portion at one end of the second member, the second base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; a second elongated member extending from the second base portion, the second elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof, the second elongated member being operable to be slidably received within the first elongated member; and a second gusset member extending from a surface of the second base portion to a surface of the second elongated member; and a securing device for selectively securing the first elongated member in fixed relationship to the second elongated member, wherein the securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first elongated member and an aligned aperture of the second elongated member; wherein either the first or second base portion is operable to urge against a floor surface of the hot tub; wherein either the first or second base portion is operable to urge against an underneath surface of the hot tub cover; wherein the base portion operable to urge against the underneath surface of the hot tub cover is operable to permit the hot tub cover to have a substantially level orientation relative to a top surface of the hot tub.
 12. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the first elongated member includes at least one area defining a plurality of spaced apertures formed in a surface thereof.
 13. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the second elongated member includes at least one area defining a plurality of spaced apertures formed in a surface thereof.
 14. (Canceled)
 15. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the first elongated member is cylindrical.
 16. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the first elongated member is hollow.
 17. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the second elongated member is cylindrical.
 18. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the second elongated member is hollow.
 19. A hot tub cover support system, comprising: a first member, comprising: a first base portion at one end of the first member, the first base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; a first elongated cylindrical hollow member extending from the first base portion, the first elongated member having at least one area defining an aperture formed in a surface thereof; and a plurality of gusset members extending from a surface of the first base portion to a surface of the first elongated member; a second member, comprising: a second base portion at one end of the second member, the second base portion comprising a substantially planar surface; a second elongated cylindrical hollow member extending from the second base portion, the second elongated member having at least one area defining a plurality of spaced apertures formed in a surface thereof, the second elongated member being operable to be slidably received within the first elongated member; and a plurality of gusset members extending from a surface of the second base portion to a surface of the second elongated member; and a securing device for selectively securing the first elongated member in fixed relationship to the second elongated member, wherein the securing device is selectively operable to pass through an aperture of the first elongated member and an aligned aperture of the second elongated member; wherein either the first or second base portion is operable to urge against a floor surface of the hot tub; wherein either the first or second base portion is operable to urge against an underneath surface of the hot tub cover: wherein the base portion operable to urge against the underneath surface of the hot tub cover is operable to permit the hot tub cover to have a substantially level orientation relative to a top surface of the hot tub. 